Ladew Topiary Gardens Completes Cottage Garden Restoration

Globally-recognized destination Ladew Topiary Gardens is delighted to announce the completion of the restoration of its beloved Cottage Garden, the first garden guests encounter upon entering the historic property. The newly restored Cottage Garden encompasses the swaying drifts, naturalistic plantings and serpentine paths of the English-style new wave garden while reflecting the whimsy, playful spirit and love of all things English that defines its founder, Harvey Ladew.

The renovation was led by renowned garden designer David Culp, in partnership with Cavanos Perennials, and undertaken by a dedicated team composed of Ladew staff, board members, and volunteers. Both whimsical and formal, the renovation preserves the traditional Ladew elements, such as topiary and the original wisteria, while incorporating native cultivars, new plantings, and improved pathways to expand visitor access. The beloved original garden is now enhanced, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.

“Working alongside Ladew’s Cottage Garden Task Force on this restoration has been a pleasure,” said David Culp. “Together we’ve carefully tended to Harvey Ladew’s original vision, while breathing new life into the garden so it will continue to thrive for generations. Seeing everyone’s passion and dedication to preserving this special place has been deeply inspiring, and I’m honored to have been part of this chapter of Ladew’s evolving story.”

To celebrate the completion of the restoration, Ladew Gardens will host a special event for the public in the Cottage Garden from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. Visitors, members, and garden lovers are invited to experience the revitalized Cottage Garden firsthand. David, Ladew staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions, share the planting list, and a special native plant plug giveaway for attendees while supplies last.

“The Cottage Garden is a living piece of our history,” said Emily Emerick, Executive Director of Ladew Gardens. “This restoration preserves the enchanting spirit and formal beauty our visitors love, while incorporating best horticultural practices and accessibility improvements for the future. We are so thankful for David’s leadership and friendship, and always grateful for the dedication of our staff, members and volunteers.”

“It is extraordinary to see this wonderful garden nod to the new direction English cottage gardens have taken,” said Garden Designer Butter Wakefield, who is also a longtime friend of Ladew Gardens. “The whimsical and sustainable design provides a perfect example for gardeners that want to create gardens that support nature and exemplify fabulous design.”

For more information about the Cottage Garden Restoration and details about the October 4 celebration, please visit LadewGardens.com.

About Ladew Topiary Gardens: Ladew Topiary Gardens has received the prestigious “Top Five North American Gardens Worth Traveling For” award from the Canadian Garden Tourism Council and was deemed “the Most Outstanding Topiary Garden in America” by the Garden Club of America. Ladew was featured as one of “10 Incredible Topiary Gardens around the World” by Architectural Digest.

Ladew is located on Jarrettsville Pike (MD 146), 14 miles north of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), exit 27B (Dulaney Valley Road North). Ladew Topiary Gardens is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is “to maintain and promote the Gardens, House and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey S. Ladew for the public benefit and for educational, scientific and cultural pursuits.”

Both the House and Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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